Bandar Seri Begawan, September 07, 2024, The Europe Today: His Majesty Sultan Haji Hassanal Bolkiah Mu’izzaddin Waddaulah, Sultan and Yang Di-Pertuan of Brunei Darussalam and Chancellor of Universiti Teknologi Brunei (UTB), emphasized the importance of recruiting highly qualified academic staff to ensure the success of higher learning institutions. Speaking at UTB’s convocation ceremony at the International Convention Centre in Berakas on Saturday, His Majesty urged universities to prioritize the quality of their teaching staff as a key driver of educational excellence and nation-building.
“The education system’s quality cannot exceed the quality of the teaching staff,” His Majesty stated, stressing that the recruitment process must align with the institution’s strategic goals and national priorities.
The Sultan also highlighted the importance of program relevancy to both current and future needs, noting UTB’s upcoming Doctor of Business Administration (DBA) program, set to launch in January 2025. His Majesty described the DBA as a vital alternative to a PhD, meeting the demand for action research in the business world and enriching the university’s research ecosystem.
In addition, His Majesty welcomed UTB’s restructuring of its research centres and research thrusts, aimed at improving the global impact of the university’s publications. The recent establishment of the Centre of Green Technology and Sustainable Research was cited as a key development in this effort.
During his speech, the Sultan also congratulated UTB on its debut in the Times Higher Education Impact Rankings and expressed his support for the university’s internationalisation agenda, which includes the creation of the UTB Global office.
His Majesty expressed gratitude to the UTB council, senate members, vice-chancellor, academic staff, and other officers for their dedication. He also congratulated the graduates on their achievements, expressing hope that their success will serve as a catalyst for future excellence. Parents, guardians, and teaching staff were also acknowledged for their consistent support in motivating the students.
The convocation ceremony marked an important milestone for UTB and underscored His Majesty’s commitment to enhancing Brunei’s education sector.
